What Are the Post-Operative Considerations for Patients with Pleural Effusion?

During the operation of pleural effusion surgery, it is necessary to pay attention to the patient's response. If the patient exhibits symptoms such as paleness, dizziness, severe pain, syncope, continuous coughing, and coughing up frothy sputum, the extraction of effusion must be stopped immediately and appropriate measures must be taken. Postoperatively, patients with pleural effusion need to be aware of certain points. Let's take a look at what they are.

Currently, ultrasound-guided pleural effusion aspiration and catheter drainage have become increasingly widespread. The ultrasound department may perform a large number of such procedures daily, which are highly safe, reliable, and successful, with few complications. Postoperatively, it is essential to observe the patient's respiration, pulse, blood pressure, and the presence of complications such as bleeding. Patients may experience mild pain, which usually resolves within a day. Local bleeding should be observed, and usually, minor bleeding can be stopped by applying sufficient pressure to the puncture site. Massive bleeding and infection are rare occurrences.

A small number of patients may experience pneumothorax, but it is usually mild and asymptomatic, often resolving spontaneously without special treatment.

Before the procedure, it is necessary to explain the purpose of the puncture to the patient and obtain their consent. For patients who are anxious or nervous, medication can be administered for analgesia.

During the operation, it is crucial to closely monitor the patient's response. If the patient exhibits symptoms such as paleness, dizziness, severe pain, syncope, continuous coughing, or coughing up frothy sputum, the extraction of effusion must be stopped immediately and appropriate measures must be taken. The extraction of effusion should not be too fast or excessive. After diagnosis, fluid aspiration should be limited to 100 milliliters or less. For patients undergoing decompression aspiration, the first extraction should not exceed 600 milliliters, and subsequent extractions should not exceed 1000 milliliters.

If the pleural effusion is purulent, it should be aspirated as much as possible each time. In cases of suppurative infection, sterile tubes should be used to collect specimens for bacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing.